Dawit Habtemariam

I cover what destinations around the world are doing to attract tourists and the top trends in global tourism. Prior to joining Skift, I covered corporate travel at Business Travel News.

Latest Stories

Tourism

Venice to Charge Entry Fees More Often: “The Experiment Worked”

After dipping their toes in the waters of tourist management, Venice's officials are now diving in headfirst with entry fees on 54 days next year. Want to do a quick Instagram tour of St. Mark's Square? That'll be €5, grazie mille.

Dawit Habtemariam | 3 weeks ago

Tourism

Hawaii Governor: Fewer Short-Term Rentals, More Climate Resilience and Sports Tourism

Governor Josh Green sat down with Skift about his vision for Hawaii and Maui's future. Green wants to see Hawaii have more sporting events, fewer short-term rentals, and a more resilient Maui

Dawit Habtemariam | 3 weeks ago

Short-Term Rentals

Spain’s Malaga to Ban Short-Term Rentals in Over 40 Neighborhoods

Malaga's politicians are aiming to relieve the strain on affordable housing by tightening regulations on short-term rentals. However, given the current popularity of southern Spain, this move could shift the pressure to nearby destinations.

Dawit Habtemariam | 3 weeks ago

Tourism

NYC Names New Tourism Boss Ahead of City Hosting Major Events

Julie Coker is trading San Diego's fish tacos for New York City's dollar slices by becoming NYC's new tourism champion. Coker is taking the reins from Fred Dixon, who bounced to Brand USA.

Dawit Habtemariam | 3 weeks ago

Tourism

Locals in Spain’s Canary Islands Rally to Limit Tourism

You know how sometimes you go on vacation and think, "Wow, this place is great, I wish I could live here!" Well, it turns out the people who actually live there might be thinking, "Wow, I wish all these tourists would go away."

Dawit Habtemariam | 4 weeks ago

Cruises

Royal Caribbean to Open New Juneau Port After Vote Against Cruise Restrictions

In a recent ballot initiative, Juneau’s residents expressed frustration with cruise tourism.

Dawit Habtemariam | 4 weeks ago

Tourism

Meet the New Face of German Tourism: An AI Travel Influencer Named Emma

Germany aspires to set the standard for AI's future in destination marketing. However, we wonder whether Germany's new AI influencer can actually build an audience and earn their trust. Those tasks are challenging even for humans.

Dawit Habtemariam | 4 weeks ago

Tourism

Expedia’s ‘Phenomena Tourism’ Trend: 5 Tips for Destination Marketers

In 2025, some remote locations will enjoy more popularity because they offer access to celestial events, animal migrations, and other natural experiences. Here are 5 tips for destination marketers to capitalize on the growing interest.

Dawit Habtemariam | 4 weeks ago

Tourism

Greek Prime Minister Dismisses Overtourism Fears, Pushes for Off-Peak Growth

Greece's prime minister has dismissed the notion of overtourism being a national problem. Kyriakos Mitsotakis is more focused on improving the country's infrastructure to handle more tourists.

Dawit Habtemariam | 1 month ago

Tourism

Florida Resumes Tourism Promotion After Hurricane Milton

Visit Florida needs to communicate that many of the state's destinations and attractions are open for tourism while remaining sensitive to those still in the process of rebuilding.

Dawit Habtemariam | 1 month ago